Machine for assembling and attaching a tag to an article

ABSTRACT

A marking tag is secured to an article, such as a garment, by a nondamaging fine wire sandwiched between layers of backup material and cover material. Facilities are provided for folding a backup layer of sheet material over the edge of the article with portions of the layer on each side of the article. A hollow needle housing the fine wire is then passed through the backup layer and article therebetween and the needle is removed leaving the wire in the article. Facilities are provided for then bending the wire parallel to the article on each side so that the ends of the wire extend generally toward the edge of the article. A cover layer having a surface of heat sealable adhesive is then superposed and adhered over the backup layer on each side of the article to enclose and anchor the ends of the wire therebetween. The tag is removed by pulling the sheet material away from the article so that the wire tears through the backup layer to free one end of the wire, whereupon on continued pulling, the freed end of the wire is withdrawn from the article.

D United States Patent 1 3,564,983

[72] inventors JamesJ. Grimm; 2,636,297 4/1953 Johnson 93/88X Daniel Becker, Columbus, Ohio 3,114,667 12/1963 Braun 93/88X [2]] A N 795,047 3,122,749 3/1964 Abrams... 93/l(TS) [22] Filed Feb. 3, 1969 3,460,313 8/1969 Conner.... 93/1(TS) [45] Patented Feb. 23, 1971 2,268,184 12/1941 Burke 913/369 [73] Assignee Natmar,lnc. 2,733,751 2/1956 Schmitt 93/36.9X

ohm Primary ExaminerWayne A. Morse, Jr.

Attorney- Irons, Stockman, Sears and Santorelli [54] MACHINE FOR ASSEMBLING AND ATTACHING A TAG TO AN ARTICLE 30 Claims 43 Drawing Figs ABSTRACT: A marking tag is secured to an article, such as a [52] U.S.Cl.' 93/88, garment by a nondamaging fi wire Sandwiched between 53/13L53/133 93/893/3493/36-9 layers of backup material and cover material. Facilities are [5 Int.

provided for a backup layer of heet material over the 365C 7/00 1365b 61/18 edge of the article with portions of the layer on each side of [50] Field of Search 93/1 (TS), the article A hollow needle housing the fi wire is then 8 (WA), 34, 131; 53/133 passed through the backup layer and article therebetween and the needle is removed leaving the wire in the article. Facilities [56] References CM are provided for then bending the wire parallel to the article UNITED STATES PATENTS on each side so that the ends of the wire extend generally 3,507,092 4/1970 Wickersheim 53/131 toward the edge of the article. A cover layer having a surface 488,735 12/ 1892 Greenfield 93/88 of heat sealable adhesive is then superposed and adhered over 878,593 2/1908 Akerly 93/88X the backup layer on each side of the article to enclose and 1,815,214 7/1931 Plass 93/88X anchor the ends of the wire therebetween. The tag is removed 1,970,769 8/1934 Raiche 93/88X by pulling the sheet material away from the article so that the 2,062,439 12/1936 Baker 93/8(WA) wire tears through the backup layer to free one end of the 2,259,878 10/1941 Clancy 93/8(WA) wire, whereupon on continued pulling, the freed end of the 2,503,903 4/1950 Cunningham 93/88X wire is withdrawn from the article.

PATENTEU H5823 1971 saw 01. or 15 INVENTORS JAMES J. GRIMM DANIEL BECKER 9%,, M, 5M5, 4 ML ATTORNEYS PATENTED FEB23 I97! SHEET 0 [1F PATENTEB FEB23 I87! sum as or PATENTE-U FEB23 19m sum near 1 PATENTEU FEB23197| 3564,9383

sum 10 or 15 PATENTED FEB23 I97] SHEET 12 0F PATENTED FEB23 WI SHEET i l UF P ATENTEU FEB23l9?l 8564.983

SHEET 15 0F 15 FIG. 320

Q1 HAHuAL OPERATE 42s I 1 393 V 4Yk- FOIL HEATER FOIL HEATER 427 c CLOSED WHEN 428 N0 LABEL 23 LABEL R L FCLOSED wHEH LAREL REFILL M LABEL C0RRECT|---- -T GARMENT 433 I ACTUATED' r..- T1. -J J] 434 I 24 a CYCLE START 43s CLUTCH SOLENOID GARMENT CLAMP SOLENOID 437 an i I WIRE cuT SOLENOID 3:23 292 29W wlR sRlP SOLENOID 293 235 4W0 2N1 I PRINT SOLENOID 4 -|27 W Re,- BACK-UP MATERIAL cuT I28 SOLENOID cAH swlTcHEs OPERATED BY CLUTCH MACHINE FOR ASSEMBLING AND ATTACIIING A TAG TO AN ARTICLE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the past there have been numerous devices available for marking and identifying articles which in one form or another were clipped, tied, bonded, pinned, stapled, or otherwise secured to the article. These prior known devices have been objectionable for one or more of the following reasons: l expensive, (2) damaging to the article, (3) difficult to secure or release, (4) subject to surreptitious removal and insertion onto another article, existence of sharp edges which presented a safety problem, (6) or could not withstand vigorous agitation.

The subject invention relates to a machine which assembles and attaches a tag to an article in such a way that all of the above problems which existed in the prior art have been obviated. The subject machine reliably and inexpensively assembles and attaches a marking tag to an article, and additionally prints indicia on one face of the tag for later identification of the article.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application relates to a machine for assembling and attaching marking tags which are disclosed and claimed in application Ser. No. 629,303 filed on Apr. 7, I967, in the names of James J. Grimm and Robert J. Valihura and entitled Marking Tag and Method of Making an Attaching the Same."

SUMMARY The invention relates to a machine for assembling and securing marking tags to an article. Facilities are provided for positioning a backup layer of sheet material along the edge of the article to be marked with portions of the material lying on each side of the article. The threadlike securing element is then passed through the article and the ends of the securing element are laid parallel to the article on at least one side of the article so that at least one end thereof extends generally toward an edge of the article. Facilities are provided for then superposing and adhering a cover layer of sheet material over the backup layer on each side of the article to enclose and anchor the ends of the securing element therebetween.

In the preferred embodiment of the machine, the threadlike securing element also passes through the backup layer on each side of the article prior to being laid'parallel to the article. The backup and cover layers are preferably cut from a spool having an indeterminate supply thereof so that the feeding and handling of the layers is simplified. Also, it is desirable that the cover layer be provided with a surface having a heat scalable adhesive thereon for adhering the cover and backup layers together to anchor the securing element therebetween. Also, in the preferred form the securing element is a fine wire and the backup layer is made of a wet-strength paper so as to be resistant to deterioration during washing or other similar operations.

The backup layer and the cover layer should be joined along the edge of the article. This can be accomplished by either making the backup layers out of one single piece of material which is folded, or by making the cover layers from one piece of material which is folded over the edge of the article.

The tag assembled and attached by the above described machine has the advantage of simplicity since no pins or staples, etc., are required to secure the tag to the article. There is also the very distinct advantage that the force which is applied to the securing element, i.e., the fine wire, is applied against the tearable backup layer and not the article itself. Therefore, the securing element can be made of a high tensile strength wire to prevent inadvertent release since the release of the tag does not depend upon breakage of the securing element, as is common is previously known devices. The marking tag made by the instant machine also has the advantage that once it is removed from the article it is effectively destroyed and cannot be surreptitiously attached to another article, which is useful the fabric to which it was attached. The marking tag assem bled by the instant machine requires no tool for the removal and is not damaging to the fabric even though a fine wire is used as a securing element. Use of a fine wire also provides the advantage that its insertion through the fabric results in essentially no damage thereto by reason of its small diameter, although it should be clear that this invention is not limited to the use of a fine wire and includes other equivalent securing elements.

DRAWINGS Other objects, advantages and aspects of the invention will become apparent by reference to the following detailed description and drawings of a specific embodiment thereof, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded view of the preferred embodiment of the marking tag which is assembled and attached by the machine forming the instant invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the same tag shown in FIG. 1 as it is being removed from an article;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the machine forming the instant invention for assembling and securing a marking tag to an article;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the machine shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the machine shown in FIGS. 3 and 4;

FIG. 6 is a view partially in section taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is the same as the view in FIG. 6 showing the mechanism after an article has been clamped to the platform of the machine;

FIG. 8 is a view partially in section taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 5 showing the mechanism for feeding and folding the backup layer;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the apparatus shown in FIG; 8;

FIG. 10 is a view partially in section taken along line 10-l0 of FIG. 4 showing the linkages for feeding and folding the backup layer;

FIG. 11 is a view partially in section taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 5 showing the printing mechanism;

FIG. 12 is a plan view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 11 with portions removed and showing the linkages for setting the type wheels of the printing mechanism;

FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of the mechanism shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a view partially in section taken along line 1444 of FIG. 4 showing the mechanism for raising the printer mechanism to print indicia on the backup layer;

FIG. 15 is taken on the same view as FIG. 14 and shows the mechanism for feeding the carbon ribbon from one spool to another;

FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 4 showing the mechanism for inserting the securing element through the article;

FIG. 17 is a front elevation view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 16 showing the mechanism in its lowermost position with the needle extending through the jaws which are holding the article;

FIG. 18 is the same as the view in FIG. 17 showing the apparatus for inserting the securing element through the article in its uppermost position;

FIG. 19 is the same as the view in FIG. 4 with portions removed showing the mechanism for feeding and applying the cover layer;

FIG. 20 is the same as the view in FIG. 19 showing the mechanism in its lowered position wherein a cutter mechanism and a heater mechanism have been actuated;

FIG. 21 is the same as the view in FIGS. 19 and 20 with portions removed to show the heater mechanism and the cutter mechanism;

FIG. 22 is the same as the view in FIG. 21 with portions removed showing the mechanism for feeding the cover layer material;

FIG. 23 is a side elevation view taken along line 23-23 of FIG. 4 and showing the mechanisms for controlling the platform and the clamping device as well as the shuttle closing device;

FIG. 24 is a front elevational view of the mechanism shown in FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a side elevation view taken along line 25-25 of FIG. 4 showing the drive mechanism for moving the upper and lower cover layer applying mechanisms;

FIG. 26 is a front elevation view of the mechanism shown in FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a side elevation view of the mechanisms for moving the securing element applying mechanism and the shuttle;

FIG. 28 is a plan view of the main drive mechanism;

FIG. 29 is a timing diagram showing the sequential operation of the various mechanisms of the machine;

FIGS. 30a and 30b are perspective views of the shuttle mechanism for initially folding the backup layer and then inserting the folded backup layer over the edge of the article;

FIG. 31 is a series of diagrammatic views showing the functional operations which are performed in which;

FIG. 31a is a side elevation view showing the article being clamped;

FIG. 31b is a front elevation view showing the backup layer being folded;

FIG. 310 is a side elevation view showing the folded backup layer being inserted around the article;

FIG. 31d is a side elevation view showing the securing element being gripped after it has been passed through the backup layer and the article therebetween;

FIG. 31a is a side elevation view showing the platform moving away from the shuttle to bend the securing element flat against the surface of the backup layer;

FIG. 31f is a front elevation view showing the cover layers being fed into position over the folded securing element; and

FIG. 31g is a front elevation view showing the cover layers after they have been cut and as they are about to be heated and pressed together against the backup layer and the securing element;

FIGS. 32a, 17, c, and d are a series of diagrammatic elevation views from the right side of the machine showing the operation of the ejector mechanism; and

FIG. 33 is an electrical control circuit for controlling the operation of the machine.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In FIGS. 1 and 2 there is shown one example of a marking tag which can be assembled and attached to an article by a machine forming the subject of the instant invention. The tag 10 comprises a backup layer 11 which is folded over the edge of an article 12 which is to be tagged. A securing element 13, such as a fine wire, is passed through and folded parallel to the backup layer 11 and the article 12. Subsequently, a cover layer 14 is adhered to the backup layer 11 and the securing element 13 on each side of the article to secure and anchor the securing element 13 therebetween. Preferably, the cover layers 14-14 are provided with a surface of heat scalable adhesive which when heated securely bonds the various elements together.

Removal of the tag is effected, as shown in FIG. 2, by lifting the backup layer 11 and cover layer 14 on one side of the article so that the securing element 13 tears through the backup layer 11 and is separated therefrom. Subsequent pulling on the backup and cover layer will result in the securing element l3 being withdrawn through the article whereupon the backup and cover layer on the other side may be readily separated from the article 12. It is to be understood that the tag assembled and attached by the subject machine can also comprise a pair of backup layers which are positioned on each side of the article and wherein the cover layer is an integral sheet which is folded over the edge of the article. As should be apparent, it is only necessary that the tag 10 be connected over the edge of the article and this can be accomplished by either folding the backup layer 11 over the edge of the'article or by folding the cover layer 14 over the edge of the article.

A very brief description of the overall operation of the machine now follows. Initially, the article 12 is placed on a platform and clamping mechanism 20 (FIG. 3) which is movable in the direction of the arrows. Placing of the garment on the platform 20 initiates one cycle of operation of the machine for assembling and attaching a tag to that article. A discrete piece of backup material 11 is cut and formed by the apparatus designated after which the backup material is rotated and positioned so that the folded edge of the layer extends along the edge of the article 12. As the backup layer is being formed a printing mechanism 200 is actuated to print selected indicia on the backup layer for further identification of the article 12. A securing element applying mechanism 250 then passes the securing element 13 through the backup layer 11 and the article 12 after which the ends of the securing element 13 are bent so that they extend toward the edge of the article 12. The final step in the assembling operation comprises the formation of the covers layers 14-14 by upper and lower cover layer mechanisms designated 350-350. In the preferred embodiment the cover layers 14-14 are adhered to the securing element 13 and the cover layer 11 by a heat sealable adhesive so as to anchor the various elements together.

Platform And Clamping Mechanism 20 Referring now in more detail to the various operating mechanisms and in particular to the platform and clamping mechanism 20 shown in FIGS. 3, 6 and 7, there is provided a platform 21 having an opening 22 for supporting the article 12 during the tag assembling and attaching operation. As the article is positioned on the platform 21, a spring element 23 which projects up into the opening 22 is tripped to actuate one cycle of operation of the machine. Tripping of the spring element 23 causes energization of a solenoid 24 (FIGS. 3 and 28) which through its armature 26 is effective to engage a one way, one revolution spring wound clutch 27 for one cycle of operation. The clutch 27 then connects the power train comprising a continuously operating motor 28, timing belt pulley 29, a timing belt 31, a bushing 32, and a second timing belt pulley 33. The pulley 33 is effective to rotate a cam shaft 34 which when connected with the clutch 27 drives the various cams which will be described in more detail hereinafter. The cam shaft 34 is supported at either end in bearing bracket assemblies 35-35.

Tripping of the spring 23 also energizes a solenoid 36 (FIGS. 3 and 23) which controls the position of a pair of clamp arms 37-37. Energization of the solenoid 36 causes the solenoid armature 38 to advance in the direction of the arrow (FIG. 23) pivoting a lever 39 around a pivot point 40 to tension a spring 41 connected to the ends of a clamp arm support 42. The support 42 is bifurcated to form two clamp arm support levers 43-43 which are pivoted at their end on pins 44-44 supported in the sidewall of the platform 21 (FIGS. 6 and 7).

The clamp arms 37-37 are generally L-shaped and the bottom end of each arm has a pin 46 passing therethrough which is free to slide in a generally vertical slot 47 formed in the side of spring housings 48 48. As the clamp arms 37-37 are lowered to grip an article 12, springs 49-49 are compressed in each of the spring housings 48-48 to provide a resilient, and yet firm, gripping of the article by the arms 37-37. Upon the completion of one cycle of operation and the subsequent deenergization of the solenoid 36, the clamp arms 37-37 are returned to their upper position by a tension spring 51 (FIG. 23) which is connected between the lever 39 and a platform actuating lever 52.

After the article has been clamped on the platform 21 by the clamp arms 37-37, the platform 21 is moved inwardly into alignment with various other mechanisms for assembling the marking tag (FIGS. 6 and 7). This inward o movement is accomplished by the platform actuating lever 52 (FIG. 23) which is biased inwardly by a tension spring 53 connected between the lever 52 and a screw 54 attached to the frame of the machine. At the beginning of a cycle, the platform 21 is positioned in its outward position by a cam 56 which engages the cam follower 57 connected to 'the lever 52. After the commencement of a cycle, the cam 56 is rotated to a low point on the cam permitting the spring 53 to urge the lever 52 in a counterclockwise direction as shown in FIG. 23. The upper part of the lever 52 is provided with a pin 58 which rides in a slot 59in the clamp arm support 42.

The platform 21 is provided with two inwardly directed pins 61-61 (FIG. 6) on each side thereof which are positioned in vertical slots 62-62 in each of the clamp arm support levers 43-43. The rearward and subsequent forward movement of platform 21 and the associated clamp arms 37-37 is guided for horizontal, rectilinear motion by a pair of platform guide brackets (only one shown) 63 having horizontal slots 64 in which the pins 61-61 ride. The rearward portion of the guide brackets 63-63 is rigidly connected to the frame of the machine by screws 66-66, shown in FIG. 3. In its most rearward position, the platform aligns the article 12 with the securing element applying mechanism 250. At a later stage in the cycle, the platform 21 is moved forward to an intermediate position in which is in alignment with the cover layer applying mechanisms 350-350 by another raised portion of the cam 56. In the final stages of the cycle the platform 21 is moved completely forward to its starting position as shown in FIG. 6, by the same cam 56.

Base Tape Forming Apparatus 80 As soon as the spring element 23 is tripped and the cam shaft 34 commences one cycle of rotation, the formation of a discrete strip of folded backup layer is commenced by the mechanism 80. As shown in FIGS. 3, 8 and 9, an indeterminate length of base tape 11 is wound on a spool 81 supported on a shaft 82 positioned on the right side of the machine. The leading end of the backup layer 11 passes through the nip of a feed roller 83 and idler roller 84 for feeding the backup layer through a horizontal guide 86 and into a vertical guide 87 until it strikes a stop 88. The rollers 83 and 84 and the guides 86 and 87 are supported on a bracket 89. The bracket 89 also supports the mechanism designated 91 for folding the backup layer into a generally V-shape between a pair of jaws 92 and 93 supported on a shuttle 94. The jaws 92 and 93 are normally biased in the open position by a torsion spring 96 (FIG. 30a).

The feed roller 83 is supported on a shaft 101 (FIGS. 8 and having a gear 102 positioned on the other end thereof. The gear 102 is in mesh with a gear segment 103 which is pivotally mounted at 104, and has a cam follower 106 on the other end thereof. The cam follower 106 follows the surface of a cam 107 mounted on a cam shaft 108 connected with the cam shaft 34 by a pair of bevel gears 109 and 111 (FIG. 28). The cam shaft 108 is supported at either end in bearing bracket assemblies 112 and 113. Rotation of the cam 107 causes the gear segment 103 to move in a counterclockwise direction as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 11 to rotate the drive wheel 83 a predetermined amount so as to feed a fixed amount of backup layer material from the spool 81 on each cycle of operation. The gear 102 is provided with a one way clutch (not shown) so that the feed roller 83 does not rotate as the gear segment 103 is returned by a tension spring 114 (FIG. 10) secured to the frame of the machine.

After each feeding cycle of the backup layer 11, a stationary blade 121 (FIGS. 8 and 9) and a pivotally mounted blade 122 are effective to cut the base tape leaving a discrete strip of backup layer material extending upwardly in the guide way 87 against the stop 88. The blade 122 is pivoted at 123 (FIG. 14) and is connected at the other end to an armature 124 of a solenoid 126. The solenoid 126 is energized at the proper time by a microswitch 127 FIG. 28) and cam 128 mounted on the cam shaft 34. As should be apparent, the armature 124 is drawn into the solenoid 126 upon energization (FIG. 14) raising the cutting end of the blade 122 so that the backup layer 11 is severed between the blades 121 and 122. Upon deenergization of the solenoid 126, a tension spring 129 returns the cutting end of the blade 122 to its lower position for permitting the leading edge of the now severed backup layer to be fed on the next cycle of operation.

With the base tape so severed and lying in the vertical passageway 87, it is now possible to fold the base tape into a generally V-shaped configuration between the jaws 92 and 93 of the shuttle 94. This is accomplished by urging a former punch 131 (FIG. 8) to the left through an opening 132 in the sidewall of the vertical guide 87 into the open jaws 92 and 93. The former punch 131 has an arcuately shaped leading surface 133 with a pointed rod 134 secured thereto. As the former punch 131 moves to the left (FIG. 8) the backup layer 11 is withdrawn from the upper and lower portions of the vertical guide 87 until it is pressed between the jaws 92 and 93. The backup layer 11 has enough natural resiliency so that when the former punch 131 is retracted the backup layer 11 remains between the jaws 92 and 93.

The former punch 131 is secured to a sliding support 136 having pins 137-137 extending laterally into slots 138 in the bracket 89 for horizontal movement back and forth. The support 136 also includes a drive pin 141 which is positioned between the furcations of a forked lever 142 (FIGS. 8 and 11). The lever 142 is generally U-shaped (FIG. 10,) and is pivoted at points 143-144. Just below the pivot point 144, the lever 142 is connected to a driving lever 146 by a pin 147. The lever 146 is pivoted at 148 and has a cam follower 149 at the other end thereof for following the surface of a cam 150 mounted on the cam shaft 108. The cam 150 and a tension spring (not shown) cause the lever 142 to rock back and forth at the proper time in the assembling sequence to push the former punch 131 into the arms 92 and 93 of the shuttle 94.

After the former punch 131 has placed the backup layer 11 in the jaws 92 and 93 of the shuttle 94, it is desired to rotate the backup layer through and to advance the backuplayer forward a certain distance so that the folded edge of the layer is adjacent to the edge of the article 12. In FIG. 30a the shuttle 94 is shown in its position as it receives the backup layer 11; and in FIG. 30b the shuttle 94 is shown after it has been rotated 90 and advanced forwardly toward the edge of the article 12.

The shuttle 94 includes a shuttle frame 151 having a drive pin 152 (FIG. 8) extending upwardly therefrom. The frame 151 also acts as the support for a pin 153 on which the jaws 92 and 93 are pivotally mounted. The drive pin 152 includes an upwardly extending arm 154 having a cam follower 156 mounted on the end thereof. The cam follower 156 rides in a slot 157 which is cut in a tracking cam 158 secured to the frame of the machine by a bracket 159. The drive pin 152 is carried by the upper fork 161 of a bifurcated shuttle bracket 162. The bracket 162 supports a pin 163 which is movable laterally, forward and backward, by a lever 164 (FIG. 27). The lever 164 (FIG. 25) is pivotally mounted on a pin 166 and is provided with a cam follower 167 which follows the surface of a cam 168 mounted on the cam shaft 34. The cam 168 is shaped to pivot the lever 164 in the clockwise direction (FIG. 27) so as to move the shuttle bracket 162 forward at the proper time in the operational sequence.

The lower portion of the shuttle frame 151 is provided with a shaft 171 (FIG. 8) which rides in a slot 172 (FIGS. 30a and b) provided in a lower tracking plate 173 secured to the frame of the machine. The drive pin 152 rides in a similar slot 172' in an upper tracking plate 173'. The slots 172 and 172' ensure the rectilinear movement of shuttle 94 in both the forward and reverse directions.

The shape of the slot 157 in the tracking cam 158 is such that the cam follower 156 rotates the shuttle 94 through 90 as the shuttle 94 is moved forwardly by the lever 164. This motion is shown most clearly in FIG. 30b.

At this point it is desired to close the jaws 92 and 93 tightly around the backup layer 11 so that the folded edge lies adjacent to the edge of the article 12. The jaws 92 and 93 are provided with bosses 176 and 177, respectively, which are in alignment with corresponding pivotable arms 178 and 179 (FIGS. 6 and 7) provided for closing the jaws 92 and 93. The arms 178 and 179 are pivotally mounted at 181, and are biased together by a tension spring 182. A cam 183 maintains the arms 178 and 179 in their open position until such time as the shuttle 94 is rotated 90 over the edge of the article 12. At this time the jaws are closed by rotation of the cam 183 (FIG. 7) so that the ends of the arms 178 and 179 engage the bosses 176 and 177 to close the jaws.

The rotation of the cam 183 is effected by rotating its support shaft 184 which is connected by an L-shaped lever 186 (FIGS. 3 and 23) to the end of another lever 187. The lever 187 is pivotally mounted at 188 and the other end of the lever is provided with a cam follower 189 which is in engagement with a cam 191 mounted on the cam shaft 34. The cam 191 pivots the lever 187 to rotate the lever 186, which turns the cam 183 approximately 90 to permit the closing of the jaws 178 and 179 by the tension spring 182. Subsequently, the lever 187 is urged in the opposite direction by a tension spring 192 (FIG. 3) to again open the arms 178 and 179 to permit the retraction of the shuttle 94. As the shuttle 94 returns along the tracking cam 158 and the upper and lower tracking plates 172 and 172', the shuttle 94 is rotated 90 in the reverse direction so that it is ready to receive the next backup layer from the forming punch 131 on the following cycle of operation.

When the jaws 92 and 93 are opened, the bosses 176 and 177 engage the shuttle frame 151 to limit their movement. The jaws 92 and 93 can also be provided with tangs 193-193 to hold the backup layer therein as it is rotated.

Referring to FIGS. 32a-d there is shown an ejector mechanism, designated generally 194. The mechanism includes an upstanding ejector bar 195 which is positioned against the folded edge of the backup layer 11 after the jaws 92 and 93 have closed therearound (FIG. 32b). The ejector bar 195 is mounted on a support 196 which is slidable fore and aft with respect to the lower jaw 93. A tension spring 197 connected between an extension of the lower jaw 92 and the support 196 normally urges the support 196 into the rearward position. The forward end of the support 196 includes an upturned hook 198 which engages with a projection 199 on the platform 21 when the jaws 92 and 93 are closed in FIG. 32b. As the platform 21 is moved outwardly (to the left in FIG. 320) by the cam 56, the support 196 and the ejector bar 195 are pulled therewith so as to push the backup layer 11 and the garment 12 therewith. Subsequently, as the jaws 92 and 93 are opened, the hook 198 disengages from the projection 199 permitting the support 196 and the ejector bar 195 to return under the influence of the spring 197.

Printer Mechanism 200 Referring to FIGS. 11-15 there is shown the printing mechanism 200 for placing the desired indicia on the base tape for later identification of the article 12. The printing cycle should take place while the backup layer 11 is positioned in the horizontal guide way 86 and before the feed roller 83 advances the backup layer into the vertical guide way 87.

In FIG. 14 there is shown an opening 201 in the bottom of the horizontal guide way 86 through which a plurality of printing wheels 202-202 can be raised to strike against the bottom surface of the backup layer 11. The printing wheels 202 are provided with any suitable indicia such as numerals or letters which can be aligned with the opening 201 by the manipulation of a plurality of handles 203-203, there being one such handle for each of the printer wheels 202. The handles 203-203 (FIGS. 12 and 13) are each connected to their respective printer wheels 202-202 by bent levers 204-204 having racks 206-206 positioned on the end thereof. The levers are bent in graduated manner to occupy the least amount of space. The racks 206-206 are in mesh with respective gears 207-207 which in turn are in mesh with gears 208-208 one of which is associated with each of the printer wheels 202-202. The printer wheels 202-202 and the gears 208-208 are mounted on a shaft 209 supported on a frame 210. By raising or lowering the levers 203-203 each of the type wheels 202-202 can thereby be set. The wheels are held in this position by spring detents 211-211 (FIG. 13).

In FIG. 11 there are shown two spools 212 and 213 on which is wound a carbon ribbon 214. The ribbon 214 is fed from the spool 212 up along the side of the frame 210 for the printer, across the face of the uppermost portion of the type wheels 202-202 and then down the other side of the frame 210 to be rewound on the spool 213. The carbon ribbon 214 is only shown as it leaves and returns to the spools 212 and 213, and the remainder has not been shown for simplicity.

The printing of the proper indicia against the backup lever 11 is effected by raising the type wheels 202-202 so that the wheels strike the base tape. The force of the printer wheels 202-202 is partially absorbed by a hard rubber pad 221 (FIG.- 14) which is provided in the upperpart of the guide way 86. The type wheels 202 are raised by a generally L-shaped, forked lever 222 which is pivoted on a pin 223. The forks of the lever 222 are positioned under a lifting pin 224 which is connected to the frame 210. An outer frame 226 is provided with slotted guide ways 228-228 on each side which receive pins 229-229 for insuring the vertical movement of the frame 210 and its associated printer wheels 202-202. At the appropriate time in the cycle, a solenoid 231 is energized (FIG. 14) thereby drawing its armature 232 and the associated linkage 233 to the right to cause pivoting of the lever 222 in a clockwise direction. The solenoid 231 is energized by a cam 234 (FIG. 28) which closes a microswitch 236 electrically connected to the solenoid 231. A spring 237 (FIG. 14) is provided between the linkage 233 and the upper portion of the lever 222 to cushion the movement of the relative parts. After the solenoid 231 is deenergized the type wheels 202-202 and the lever 222 return to their original position by gravity.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 15 the advancement of the carbon ribbon 214 is effected by a ratchet 241 which is mounted on the lower end of the frame 210. A pawl 242 is pivoted at 243 and biased into engagement with the teeth on the ratchet 241 by a spring 244. After each printing cycle as the frame 210 is descending, the pawl 242 engages the ratchet 241 causing it to rotate thereby rotating the spools 212 and 213 to advance the carbon ribbon 214.

Wire Inserting Mechanism 250 After the shuttle 94 and the folded backup layer 11 have been rotated so that the backup layer overlies the edge of the article 12, and after the arms 92 and 93 have been tightly closed around the backup layer, it is desired to pass the securing element 13 through both sides of the backup layer and the article 12 therebetween. Referring to FIGS. 16-18, this is accomplished by passing a hollow needle 251 downwardly through openings 252 and 253 in the jaws of 92 and 93, and severing the wire by cutting mechanism 254 while the leading end of the wire isgripped by a gripping device 256. The cutting mechanism 254, of course, does not operate until the needle 251 has been retracted thereabove.

A spool 261 is mounted for rotation on a shaft 262 positioned inside a cartridge 263. The spool has an indeterminate length of securing element, such as wire, thereon for providing 

1. An apparatus for assembling and securing marking tags to an article, which comprises: means for positioning a backup layer of sheet material along the edge of the article and on each side of the article; means for passing a threadlike securing element through the article; means for laying the securing element parallel to the article on at least one side of the article so that at least one end thereof extends generally toward an edge of the article; and means for superposing and adhering a cover layer of sheet material over the backup layer on each side of the article to enclose an anchor the ends of the securing element therebetween and join the cover and backup layers along the edge of the article
 2. An apparatus for assembling and securing marking tags to an article, which comprises: means for positioning a folded backup layer of sheet material over the edge of the article with portions of the layer lying on each side of the article; means for passing a threadlike securing element through the article; means for laying the securing element parallel to the article on at least one side of the article so that at least one end thereof extends generally toward an edge of the article; and means for superposing and adhering a cover layer of sheet material over the backup layer on each side of the article to enclose and anchor the ends of the securing element therebetween.
 3. Apparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein said means for passing the threadlike securing element through the article also passes the threadlike element through the backup layer.
 4. Apparatus as recited in claim 3 wherein said means for positioning the folded backup layer of sheet material comprises: means for cutting a discrete piece of backup layer material from an indefinite length of the same; means for feeding a predetermined length of the backup material to said cutting means; means for folding said discrete pieces of material; and means for moving said folded piece of backup material from the cutting and folding location to the article with the fold of the backup material positioned along the edge of the article.
 5. Apparatus as recited in claim 4 wherein said means for folding the discrete piece of backup material includes: a vertical guide track defining a slot in which said backup material is positioned, said guide member having opposed openings in each side thereof; a V-shaped shuttle aligned with the openings in said guide track; and a former punch movable through said openings to fold the backup material into the V of the shuttle.
 6. Apparatus as recited in claim 5 wherein said V-shaped shuttle comprises: a pair of pivoted jaws normally biased apart; and means for camming said arms together to fold the discrete piece of backup material around the artiCle.
 7. Apparatus as recited in claim 5 wherein said former punch includes a curved pusher having a pointed rod affixed to the leading edge thereof for forcing the backup material into the V-shaped shuttle.
 8. Apparatus as recited in claim 3 wherein said means for passing the threadlike securing element through the article and the backup layer comprises: penetrating means for passing the securing element through the article and backup layer; means for moving the penetrating means and the securing element through the article and backup layer; means for gripping the leading end of the securing element after it has penetrated the article and backup layer; and means for withdrawing the penetrating means as the securing element is so gripped.
 9. Apparatus as recited in claim 8 which further includes: a spool having an indeterminate length of securing element thereon; and means for severing the securing element to a predetermined length after the securing element has been passed through the article and the backup layer.
 10. Apparatus as recited in claim 8 wherein said penetrating means includes a hollow needle and said securing element is positioned inside the needle.
 11. Apparatus as recited in claim 3 wherein said means for passing the threadlike securing element through the article and backup layer comprises: a hollow needle for piercing the article and backup layer; a spool having an indeterminate length of securing element thereon, said securing element being positioned within the hollow needle; means for advancing the spool and hollow needle to insert the needle through the article and backup layer, the leading end of said securing element being entirely inside the needle; means for advancing the securing element relative to the needle after insertion to expose the leading end thereof; means for gripping and subsequently releasing the leading end of the securing element; means for retracting the spool and needle while securing element is so gripped to pay off a predetermined length of the securing element; and means for severing the securing element to provide a discrete length of securing element.
 12. Apparatus as recited in claim 11 which further includes means for retracting the leading end of the securing element into the needle after severance and before the next succeeding insertion of the needle through an article and a backup layer.
 13. Apparatus as recited in claim 3 which further includes means for printing indicia on said backup tape for identification of said article.
 14. Apparatus as recited in claim 3 wherein said means for superposing and adhering a cover layer of sheet material over the backup layer on each side of the article comprises: means for pressing a discrete strip of cover layer against the threadlike securing element on each side of the backup layer, said cover layers having a surface of heat sealable adhesive adjacent the securing element; and means for applying heat to said cover layers to enclose and anchor the ends of the securing element therebetween.
 15. Apparatus as recited in claim 14 which further includes: upper and lower spools having an indeterminate length of cover layer material thereon; means for feeding a predetermined amount of cover layer material from each spool; and means for cutting said predetermined amount from the material on each spool to provide discrete cover layers for each side of the article.
 16. Apparatus as recited in claim 3 which further comprises: means for supporting the article to which a tag is to be attached; upper and lower cartridges, one on either side of the article support means, each having a spool holding indeterminate lengths of cover layer material having adhesive on one side thereof; means for guiding said cartridges for vertical, rectilinear movement; a pair of feed rollers on each of said cartridges for advancing the cover layer materIal; gear means associated with said feed rollers on each of said cartridges for rotating said rollers as the cartridges are moved toward the article to feed a predetermined amount of cover layer material from each of the spools; cutting means pivotally mounted on each of said cartridges and positioned across the path of the leading edge of each of the lengths of cover layer material for cutting discrete cover layers for each side of the article; means pivotally mounted on each of said cartridges for applying pressure to the discrete cover layers and the backup layer and securing element positioned therebetween; means for moving said upper and lower cartridges toward each other and then away from each other; and cam means associated with each of said cartridges for first pivoting the cutting means to cut discrete upper and lower cover layers and then pivoting said pressure applying means to press the adhesive coated side of said cover layers against the backup layer and the securing element positioned therebetween to form a tag attached to the article.
 17. Apparatus as recited in claim 16 wherein said adhesive on the cover layers is heat sealable, and wherein said pressure applying means further includes means for heating the heat sealable adhesive as the cover layers, backup layer and securing element are pressed together on the article.
 18. Apparatus as recited in claim 16 wherein said gear means comprises: a stationary rack mounted adjacent the path of each of the cartridges; and a gear segment mounted on each of the cartridges which meshes with its respective rack as the cartridges are moved toward each other and the article, said gear segments being connected to one of the feed rollers on each of the cartridges to rotate the same a predetermined amount to feed the cover layer material.
 19. Apparatus as recited in claim 18 wherein said gear segments are connected to pawls and said feed rollers are connected to ratchet wheels in mesh with the pawls so that the feed rollers are only rotated as the cartridges are moved toward each other.
 20. Apparatus as recited in claim 3 which further comprises: platform means for supporting the article to be tagged; and means for clamping the article on the platform means during the tagging operation.
 21. Apparatus as recited in claim 20 which further comprises: means for moving said platform means into vertical alignment with said securing element passing means; and means for moving said platform means away from vertical alignment with said securing element passing means as the securing element extends through the backup layer and the article.
 22. An apparatus for assembling and securing tags to an article, said tags including a threadlike securing element which passes through the article and the ends of which are sandwiched between a backup layer and cover layers, which comprises: means for horizontally supporting the article; means laterally spaced from said supporting means for folding a strip of backup material into a generally V-shape; a needle vertically aligned with said article, said securing element being carried by said needle; means for laterally moving said folded, V-shaped strip of backup material so that an edge of the supported article lies in the apex of the V of the strip; means for clamping the V-shaped strip of backup material around the article, said clamping means having a vertical passageway extending therethrough; means for moving said needle vertically through said passageway to pass the securing element through the clamping means and article and for then removing the needle leaving the securing element in the article; means for then moving the article supporting means laterally away from the clamping means to remove the folded strip of backup from the clamp and simultaneously to bend the ends of the securing element toward the edge of the article; and means for superposing and adhering a coVer layer of sheet material over the backup layer on each side to enclose and anchor the ends of the securing element therebetween.
 23. Apparatus as recited in claim 22 wherein said moving means is also effective to move the needle and the securing element through the backup layer on either side of the article.
 24. Apparatus as recited in claim 23 wherein said backup material folding means comprises: means for cutting a discrete piece of backup material from an indefinite length of the same; a vertical guide track defining a slot in which said discrete piece of backup layer material is positioned, said guide member having opposed openings in each side thereof; a V-shaped shuttle aligned with the openings in said guide track; and a former punch movable through said openings to fold the backup material into the V of the shuttle.
 25. Apparatus as recited in claim 24 wherein said means for clamping the V-shaped strip of backup material includes said V-shaped shuttle and further includes: a pair of pivoted jaws normally biased apart; and means for camming said jaws together to fold the discrete piece of backup material around the article.
 26. Apparatus as recited in claim 25 which further comprises: ejector means for positively displacing the folded strip of backup material from the clamp as the article supporting means is laterally moved away from the clamping means.
 27. Apparatus as recited in claim 26 wherein said ejector means comprises: a spring biased pin positioned in the apex of the pivoted jaws; and an actuator mounted on said platform and adapted to be positioned between the ejector and the apex of the V of the pivoted jaws so that movement of the article supporting means laterally away from the clamping means pushes the folded backup layer out of the jaws.
 28. Apparatus as recited in claim 27 wherein said actuator is designed to become disengaged from the ejector pin at a predetermined point so that the biased ejector pin can return to the apex of the V of the jaws.
 29. Apparatus as recited in claim 23 wherein said needle is hollow and said securing element is positioned on the inside of the needle.
 30. Apparatus as recited in claim 23 which further comprises: means for gripping the leading end of the securing element after said needle moving means has passed the securing element through the article and backup layer so that the securing element remains in that position as the needle is removed. 